Load Test Data for Bored H-pile Foundation

[studio13]

I'm looking for any recent (or anything really) load test data, preferably with load distribution information for what I've usually seen referred to drilled or bored piles (not drilled shafts). I've seen a couple DOT's use these on bridge projects where relatively shallow rock is encountered. They would drill a hole to sufficient depth to achieve lateral fixity, drop the H-pile in and grout to top of rock. From a design procedure there appear to be a couple ways to approach, as a drilled shaft (very conservative) or as a driven pile sitting on/in rock (not very conservative). I'm thinking the true answer would be closer to the latter than the first situation, depending on hole diameter, rock soundness, concrete to pile bond, etc... So anyone know of any published load test data for this kind of foundation? Thanks in advance.

 

[jdonville]

studio13,

It is basically a drilled shaft with a structural section for axial/flexural reinforcement. Likely the flexure is the critical load.

The rock socket will engage the pile in side shear first before any end bearing due to strain compatibility.

Jeff